Solutions for Campus Recycling Program Funding.

Recycling program funding can often be the first hurdle when implementing a program on campus.

How much should you budget?

When determining the type of container to purchase it pays to do your research. When people are pushed for time and have the “Just get it done” mindset, they often choose to invest in off the shelf economical options like blue bins.

Let’s be clear, any receptacle that provides people the opportunity to separate out their recyclable waste from landfill waste is a good thing. However, the challenge that comes with the simple blue bin approach is they lack the vital communication element. Blue bins don’t have graphics to help people make the right choice. With separate containers collecting different streams you end up with a rogue bin situation which negatively impacts your diversion rate. When bins become separated so the students don’t have a choice. They toss their waste into the nearest bin rather than the right bin.

People toss waste into the nearest bin rather than right bin.

Bruce Buchan, CleanRiver CEO says “We’ve had many clients approach us after having implemented a blue bin program who are frustrated with the lack of engagement and lack of results. Not to mention the wasted budget from setting up an ineffective program.”

Conduct a waste audit to identify the volume and type of waste you generate. This enables you to identify how many containers you need and determine their locations. Black & McDonald did a walk-through of their new office during the construction phase and plotted all the recycling containers on the floor plan to help them scope out their budget.

Determine the capacity, the streams and number of containers required. You’ll then be better prepared to contact recycling container manufacturers for quotes. This will help you define your budget.

How am I going to show an ROI on this investment?

An effective recycling program diverts recyclable waste from landfill. These recyclables have a market value. Research the value of your recyclables and then talk to your waste hauler, they should provide a rebate on those items based on market value.

If your campus generates a large volume of a particular type of recyclable waste for example cardboard or white office paper, you have the option of selling these items directly to the paper mills or recycling facilities to generate income.

Before

After

In the example above, the organization was having daily pickups whether their containers were full or not. They simply changing their pickup schedule to when their bins were actually full. This way the company saved 43% in hauling fees. Here’s how:

Government and industry grants are an ideal solution for your recycling program funding. They vary by amount and application requirement depending on the region. Many CleanRiver clients have had great success using grants to fund their programs.